Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Baby its COLD outside!
Today was fairly warm and sunny. The temp were above 0 and the wind wasn't kickin too bad. We just bundled up as much as possible in as many layers as possible and faced the day.
Our humidifier went out at work and by midday all my paper was sticking together with static electricity. My fax machine would kick out about 5 sheets at a time and when I peeled them apart they went "snap crackle pop" ok maybe not that sound but the sound you make when you peel socks or something off your clothes fresh out of the dryer when you forgot to add softener.
Tonight was a grilled cheese and tomato soup kinda night. I made a pot of pork chops and rice in the slow cooker but it turned to mush which I had and will take for lunch for the next few weeks. I can't seem to figure out how to make my crock pot cook slower...it was on low. I guess I will have to get a timer for it.
Hubs is working late tonight so its just me and the kiddos hanging out so now I can get around to catching up with my blogs. Jaiden's vocabulary has really exploded in the past week. She can now repeat almost everything she hears and can put together short sentences. Just last night as we were about to sit down for dinner she said "Come sit down!" She seems to be twice as sassy since we've been home from our trip too. She seems to be enjoying this new developement and trying it out as much as possible.
Our humidifier went out at work and by midday all my paper was sticking together with static electricity. My fax machine would kick out about 5 sheets at a time and when I peeled them apart they went "snap crackle pop" ok maybe not that sound but the sound you make when you peel socks or something off your clothes fresh out of the dryer when you forgot to add softener.
Tonight was a grilled cheese and tomato soup kinda night. I made a pot of pork chops and rice in the slow cooker but it turned to mush which I had and will take for lunch for the next few weeks. I can't seem to figure out how to make my crock pot cook slower...it was on low. I guess I will have to get a timer for it.
Hubs is working late tonight so its just me and the kiddos hanging out so now I can get around to catching up with my blogs. Jaiden's vocabulary has really exploded in the past week. She can now repeat almost everything she hears and can put together short sentences. Just last night as we were about to sit down for dinner she said "Come sit down!" She seems to be twice as sassy since we've been home from our trip too. She seems to be enjoying this new developement and trying it out as much as possible.
Monday, November 26, 2007
First Snow!!!
Its snowing...rather its coming a blizzard out. But we are only getting about 3 inches so the weatherman says. Right now everything is white and its beginning to look a lot like Christmas :)
Our road trip went well. All 1600 miles each way. I saw my Dad and he's doing better now that he's in the nursing home so he will be ok for a while. He was very excited to see me and Jaiden walk through that door. Its sad to see him like that and walk away knowing that there is not much that I can do. I just hope he knows how much I love him.
I'll post more later, I'm still trying to catch up. Today was a busy day getting errands run around town and rounding up all the Christmas decorations from the attic. I made some nice warm scarves today too out of some scrap fleece, it was a very easy project. I am thinking of making more as gifts. Mittens and gloves would be easy too and could be paired to match the scarves. They will come in handy for those bitter cold winter days.
Our road trip went well. All 1600 miles each way. I saw my Dad and he's doing better now that he's in the nursing home so he will be ok for a while. He was very excited to see me and Jaiden walk through that door. Its sad to see him like that and walk away knowing that there is not much that I can do. I just hope he knows how much I love him.
I'll post more later, I'm still trying to catch up. Today was a busy day getting errands run around town and rounding up all the Christmas decorations from the attic. I made some nice warm scarves today too out of some scrap fleece, it was a very easy project. I am thinking of making more as gifts. Mittens and gloves would be easy too and could be paired to match the scarves. They will come in handy for those bitter cold winter days.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Pray with me
My daddy is not doing so good. As I write this, he may possibly taking his last breath. I am going to try to go see him this week but I don't know how it will go... I am putting off that moment, hoping it will never come and yet knowing it will whether I go to him or not. He is not a church going man but he is a good man and he's been a great daddy to me. Please lift him up in your prayers and pray that I'll have the courage to face him for that final farewell.*Jaiden Riley and her Pappaw David Riley last March when they met for the first time
11/21/07 **Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers throughout this past few weeks. I went to see my Daddy on Monday, he's skin and bones but his face lit up the second we walked into the room. He is in a nursing home and they seem to be taking good care of him. There was not a lot that I could do for him but just be there. Jaiden went with me and she was very excited to see her Pappaw again. I have some precious photos of them together and will post them when I get back home. As I was leaving his room during our second visit there, my dad said "Pray for me" I said "every second of every day Daddy"
Monday, November 05, 2007
Belated Halloween Pics
We spent Halloween indoors again this year. Last year we were in Germany and I just didn't feel like getting the kids out in the cold, this year was cold but not so bad. We did get out...and spent 2 hours in line at the Alerus center for a 15 min stroll through the maze of tables to get a handful of candy. There was about 1300+ kids in line ahead of us and at least that many in line behind us. Quite a colorful parade of costumes. Lots of superheros and princesses, some really unique and some just plain out adorables. We saw a real live Dora (that was my favorite) pirates and bears and zebras oh my! It was fun, we got there at 5:30, expecting to just zip in and out (I was thinking it would be a craft for kids thing) but instead we stood in line until 7:30 (way past dinner, we were starving!) we made it through the maze of people and out by 7:45, grabbed burgers at Culver's picked up Cody from work and headed home. Cody's friends were sitting out front of our house when we arrived home so he grabbed the bucket of candy and treated them. We had a couple other little goblins after that but we were pretty much done for by 8:15. The kids were happy (at least Jared was, Jaiden was a bit overwhelved by the whole thing) She did not want to wear the hat on her witches costume so she looked more like a princess (as she sometimes is...but sometimes she's the other)
Enjoy the pics, I'll be out of town for most of the month so not sure how much blogging I'll do. Have a great week!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Waiting for someone to love them
http://www.mnadopt.org/WaitingChildren.asp
Check out this link. This is the children in Minnesota that are currently available for adoption. When I breezed through it yesterday, Nathan is the one that caught my eye and pulled at my heartstrings, well they all did of course and I wish I could bring them all home with me but little Nathan...I don't know, he looks a bit like Jared. There is only a side glimpse of him in the photo, he seems to be a very busy little guy, much like Jared. I think they could be great pals.
Every time I look at these links my heart just breaks for each and every child that needs a home. The domestic adoption process is not easy, we've been down this road before twice already and didn't get anywhere. I'm finding that adoption here is not going to be a walk in the park either, there is very little information available and there doesn't seem to be many resources to find out anything towards getting started. I've already had the greater Grand Forks door slammed in my face yesterday when the lady said that because we live on the Minnesota side, the North Dakota office cannot help us. The only offices I've found so far in MN is located in Minneaopolis. I'm currently trying to find an agency that will help with getting a homestudy update. Also, not sure how we would finance another adoption right now.
Daycare is currently taking up a huge percentage of our income....thus the reason for not pursuing another baby at this time. I love babies, and if God blesses us with another then I know we will do fine but right now at the precarious place we are at with pre-retirement looming on the nearby horizon, we just can't afford to do the diapers and childcare routine x 2.
I'm really feeling the pull to act now. Its stronger than ever before and I pray that we can work through the hurdles before us to bring our children home.
(Match 64 of 152)
Name:Nathan (3094)
Age:5
Has Siblings:No
Nathan is very cute and likes to stay busy. Typically his a happy little guy. Nathan has severe special needs globally with his development and communication and will require intensive therapy to help him. Nathan enjoys many activities typical of children his age. He likes to ride his bike, play with trains, watch Bob the Builder, and listen to music. Nathan is improving in his social skills but struggles to communicate with spoken language. We are looking for a family that is structured and patient. Nathan really thrives on structure and routine. A family must be willing to make a long-term commitment to supporting Nathan because it is likely he will have long-term struggles.
*Does anyone know what severe special needs globally could mean?
Check out this link. This is the children in Minnesota that are currently available for adoption. When I breezed through it yesterday, Nathan is the one that caught my eye and pulled at my heartstrings, well they all did of course and I wish I could bring them all home with me but little Nathan...I don't know, he looks a bit like Jared. There is only a side glimpse of him in the photo, he seems to be a very busy little guy, much like Jared. I think they could be great pals.
Every time I look at these links my heart just breaks for each and every child that needs a home. The domestic adoption process is not easy, we've been down this road before twice already and didn't get anywhere. I'm finding that adoption here is not going to be a walk in the park either, there is very little information available and there doesn't seem to be many resources to find out anything towards getting started. I've already had the greater Grand Forks door slammed in my face yesterday when the lady said that because we live on the Minnesota side, the North Dakota office cannot help us. The only offices I've found so far in MN is located in Minneaopolis. I'm currently trying to find an agency that will help with getting a homestudy update. Also, not sure how we would finance another adoption right now.
Daycare is currently taking up a huge percentage of our income....thus the reason for not pursuing another baby at this time. I love babies, and if God blesses us with another then I know we will do fine but right now at the precarious place we are at with pre-retirement looming on the nearby horizon, we just can't afford to do the diapers and childcare routine x 2.
I'm really feeling the pull to act now. Its stronger than ever before and I pray that we can work through the hurdles before us to bring our children home.
(Match 64 of 152)
Name:Nathan (3094)
Age:5
Has Siblings:No
Nathan is very cute and likes to stay busy. Typically his a happy little guy. Nathan has severe special needs globally with his development and communication and will require intensive therapy to help him. Nathan enjoys many activities typical of children his age. He likes to ride his bike, play with trains, watch Bob the Builder, and listen to music. Nathan is improving in his social skills but struggles to communicate with spoken language. We are looking for a family that is structured and patient. Nathan really thrives on structure and routine. A family must be willing to make a long-term commitment to supporting Nathan because it is likely he will have long-term struggles.
*Does anyone know what severe special needs globally could mean?
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thinking it over...
I've been thinking it over...maybe it's time to start the paperchase for a brother or sister. Hubs and I have discussed this endlessly, he has known my heart is set on adopting as many children as we possibly can in this lifetime, he is the ever practical one and wants to make sure we are financially sound whatever that means....I can't see putting money before my babies. I still feel in my heart that I have more children, I just haven't met them yet. I know I could easily be a Mommy to a dozen...or more. Convincing the rest of my family of this is the hard part. I've really felt the urge to do something towards making this dream a reality lately. I'd thought that when we got our referral for Jaiden that I would want to get the paperwork going almost right away but as soon as I saw her beautiful face I felt content to wait for the moment. It's been over a year now that she's been home with us, and still I haven't been truly "moved" to do anything yet. Something just seemed to be telling me "it's not time yet"
I know that I do not really want another baby. Jaiden was actually much younger than we had expected and going through the baby stages has been priceless and I wouldn't give them up for the world, but then again if I had to choose I think I could just as easily love an older child. I know there are many, many children without a family and this just tears me apart. I know I could be the Mommy they dream of, no I am not perfect by a long shot, but my heart is full of love to give to them. I love to watch Jaiden and Jared playing together (more often than not arguing over a toy) on occasion they get along beautifully, like yesterday. We were all home sick. It was a RUFF night I tell ya! J bear has a sore throat, possible tonsil inflamation, and Jaiden has a nasty cough that keeps us all up at night. I woke with a stomach bug that had me dizzy, nauseaus, with a heachache so taking care of my sick babies and getting Teen to school was quite the challenge. All I wanted to do was sleep. So we got home and I crashed on the couch while the kiddos played hot wheel together. They actually played nicely together for hours on end yesterday and let me rest. That does a mommy's heart good in more ways than one. Sometimes Jared gets so lonely and he has not met any friends here yet so I wonder if adopting a younger brother for him would help him. He sits inside and is quickly becoming a couch potato...something I thought would never happen because he is such an active boy. He watches tv way too much in my opinion but I can't send him out alone to play or ride his bike. The street is way too busy and he doesn't like to go to the park alone. It will soon be winter here and he won't be able to get out much. I love to spend time with him and we play games and put puzzles together, but I know he feels all alone. He needs to do "boy things"
anyway, that is my random thoughts for the day...I gotta get to work now. Hope your day is GREAT! :)
*Update, got a call from Lutheran Services, the N.D. adoption agency and the only agency within an hour radious of here and they said that I need to contact someone in Minnesota because N.D cannot help me do to state requirements...I yi yi! I'm starting to think that it was soooo much easier to do this from a foreign country. What's up with American Adoption Programs? There's no wonder why there are so many orphans. There are no agencies that care. Yes I could easily find an international adoption agency and go that route again but I REALLY would like to follow my original heartstring that led me towards a domestic adoption...but the doors are closing before me and I'm not sure what to do
GRRRR, this really gets my maternal lioness in a tiff
I know that I do not really want another baby. Jaiden was actually much younger than we had expected and going through the baby stages has been priceless and I wouldn't give them up for the world, but then again if I had to choose I think I could just as easily love an older child. I know there are many, many children without a family and this just tears me apart. I know I could be the Mommy they dream of, no I am not perfect by a long shot, but my heart is full of love to give to them. I love to watch Jaiden and Jared playing together (more often than not arguing over a toy) on occasion they get along beautifully, like yesterday. We were all home sick. It was a RUFF night I tell ya! J bear has a sore throat, possible tonsil inflamation, and Jaiden has a nasty cough that keeps us all up at night. I woke with a stomach bug that had me dizzy, nauseaus, with a heachache so taking care of my sick babies and getting Teen to school was quite the challenge. All I wanted to do was sleep. So we got home and I crashed on the couch while the kiddos played hot wheel together. They actually played nicely together for hours on end yesterday and let me rest. That does a mommy's heart good in more ways than one. Sometimes Jared gets so lonely and he has not met any friends here yet so I wonder if adopting a younger brother for him would help him. He sits inside and is quickly becoming a couch potato...something I thought would never happen because he is such an active boy. He watches tv way too much in my opinion but I can't send him out alone to play or ride his bike. The street is way too busy and he doesn't like to go to the park alone. It will soon be winter here and he won't be able to get out much. I love to spend time with him and we play games and put puzzles together, but I know he feels all alone. He needs to do "boy things"
anyway, that is my random thoughts for the day...I gotta get to work now. Hope your day is GREAT! :)
*Update, got a call from Lutheran Services, the N.D. adoption agency and the only agency within an hour radious of here and they said that I need to contact someone in Minnesota because N.D cannot help me do to state requirements...I yi yi! I'm starting to think that it was soooo much easier to do this from a foreign country. What's up with American Adoption Programs? There's no wonder why there are so many orphans. There are no agencies that care. Yes I could easily find an international adoption agency and go that route again but I REALLY would like to follow my original heartstring that led me towards a domestic adoption...but the doors are closing before me and I'm not sure what to do
GRRRR, this really gets my maternal lioness in a tiff
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Ideas for a party?
Ok, it's getting closer and closer to time to prepare for Jaiden's second birthday. It's in December and it falls on a Thursday so I am not sure what to do. I've been thinking My Little Pony tea party but not sure if that would be a little too mature for her just yet.She is just starting to like dollies. The sweetest moments come when a Mommy watches her daughter hold her "baby" for the first time and the ever so adorable way she cradles her baby in her arms and tucks her gently in with her favorite blankie. Thats when I start to think maybe, just maybe I haven't totally messed up in this job of parenting as it sometimes seems.
What are some good toys out on the market? We haven't purchased many toys since birthday and Christmas came in the same week...and we had two years to stockpile before that. Now its time to upgrade from the baby toys. We would love to get her a Power Wheels car but since it will be too cold to get outside, that isn't exactly practical. So we are looking for ideas for inside play that doesn't take up tooo much room....and something she would actually maybe play with. Any favorite recommendations?
*Update 10/24/07 I ordered Jaiden an "Emo" from Amazon. Not the talking kind, just a cuddly one since she is getting more into dollies now. She loves Jared's piggy that we got at Kohl's and I wish I'd gone back and gotten her one as she is becoming quite attached to it and so is Jared...so he doesn't like to share it very often. Thanks Dusty, I think Elmo is a great birthday idea. Can I steal from you? I think this is something Jaiden would love. Everytime she is on my lap when we "shop" Amazon and come across an Elmo, she starts clapping and bouncing with joy. There are some cute Elmo birthday items on birthdayinabox dot com.
How do you teach a toddler to share?
Jaiden is in her "Mine" phase big time now. She does NOT like sharing with her brother Jared. Anyone else in the family is ok and he shares his toys with her just fine but when he even so much as looks at her toys then she has a squeal fit. Jared is learning to read and we have been having many "read out loud" sessions together. Jaidens idea of "reading" is flipping quickly through the book and then closing it tightly...this makes reading out loud a bit challenging when you have a wiggly toddler on one side and a reader that is getting frustrated with having the pages flipped for him. This makes for a very interesting story hour. How do families with multiples teach their kids to share? I never experienced this with the boys because they were 10 years apart. They've never really been playmates and I've always wished they'd been able to find common things to share together. As a parent I know it is my responsibility to teach them how to socialize but I don't feel I am doing a very good job. When I get home from work we don't do much. Dinner and quiet time to unwind is the standard norm. We don't get out often and there's not a lot of interaction going on amost our neighbors...sure we wave, say hello and maybe even chat on occasion but it really never gets any further than that. I really miss the come on in, have a seat and lets chat kinda times. Today's society is a go go at the break neck speed of life and yet it seems we really aren't getting anywhere. When did we forget to stop and play? How can we teach our children to be children? Maybe its not for us to teach but to take the time to be still and learn.
Cute phrase of the day "Where's Elmo" She points to her elbow "MoMo" When she see's Elmo she gets really excited, squeals and claps and says "Emo!"
Cute phrase of the day "Where's Elmo" She points to her elbow "MoMo" When she see's Elmo she gets really excited, squeals and claps and says "Emo!"
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A day of pinkness
Today Jaiden and I are hangin out at home because sweetie has pink eye. Her eye was a tiny bit green gunky when she woke yesterday morning but not too bad. I wiped it off with a warm cloth and watched her closely for the next hour...no green returned and the eye was not red so I sent her off to daycare. Around mid-morning I had a call from daycare saying that she indeed had pinkeye. This has happened before and turned out to be she put her finger in her eye so I was a bit skeptical of their prognosis. Both hubs and I were over our heads with work at work but he canceled his shooting and took her to the doctor whom gave her some drops for her eyes.
So we are spending the day together and Jaiden is such a little character! She is gabbing up a storm now. Still not sure what she is saying but she sure does have a lot to say! She loves books...she just brought me "Farley Mowat The boat who wouldn't float" but she tires of it after about the first sentence. Her favorite story today is "Inside, Outside, Upside Down"by Stan and Jan Berenstain...and her favorite word is "NO" for everything...even the things she really wants......like to sing and dance,which she is happily doing on my lap right now.
I've missplaced my camera battery charger so I am temporarily without photo material. So I leave you with Jaiden's latest words and antics...Up, No (Giggle) No," Clap, Clap Shake, Shake, Dance in circle, adjust sleeves, clap some more. "I wallly up" and HUh? (her newest most favorite word) Its really cute, I wish I had my camera!
So we are spending the day together and Jaiden is such a little character! She is gabbing up a storm now. Still not sure what she is saying but she sure does have a lot to say! She loves books...she just brought me "Farley Mowat The boat who wouldn't float" but she tires of it after about the first sentence. Her favorite story today is "Inside, Outside, Upside Down"by Stan and Jan Berenstain...and her favorite word is "NO" for everything...even the things she really wants......like to sing and dance,which she is happily doing on my lap right now.
I've missplaced my camera battery charger so I am temporarily without photo material. So I leave you with Jaiden's latest words and antics...Up, No (Giggle) No," Clap, Clap Shake, Shake, Dance in circle, adjust sleeves, clap some more. "I wallly up" and HUh? (her newest most favorite word) Its really cute, I wish I had my camera!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Such a sweetie!
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Jaiden is such a crack up! This photo was taken on the night before Gotcha Day. We had just pulled out the "Gotcha Day clothing" and she was having a blast with it...mostly tossing all the layers on the floor and pouncing on them. But she loves the Minnie Mouse pjs. They are a perfect fit now so she will be wearing them often. We will put the extra layers away in her keepsake box for sharing memories down the road.
The Red Thread to Jaiden
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Our beautiful girls
Hi all! I know its been a while and I really do miss you all and appreciate the sweet comments. Its been crazy busy around here and I haven't had much time to write or keep up with blogging. I hope you all are doing well. I hope I'll be back again soon but till then I still love hearing from you so keep the comments coming!Friday, September 21, 2007
Days go by...
Haven't had much time to blog lately. I'm trying a video instead. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy! :) Have a great weekend!!!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
One Year Ago...
Daddy brought home cake!
Has it really been a year? It has gone unbelievably fast. The days spent with Jaiden are the best days ever. She is such a doll and fills our lives with her abundant personality. She has many moods and layers and we are just beginning to learn them all. She is a dynamo toddler with a big attitude and a comical disposition. Drama is her forte baby...watch out world here she comes!!! 
*This cake is Yummy!
What we did tonight:
To celebrate Jaiden's one year anniversary of being our baby girl, we went out to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant then came home for cake. Simple and quiet but we will never forget the magnitude and wonder that this day holds for our family. We are so blessed to have Jaiden in our lives and thank God every day for the gifts He has given us in our children.
(Gotcha Clothes) *Jaiden was so excited to see the Minnie Mouse outfit again but the shoes she looked at and tossed on the floor...guess they weren't right for the outfit in her opinion.
*This cake is Yummy!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Thursday Thoughts
Hi Ya!
How's everyone doing? I've been a bit distracted by things so I apoligise for not visiting your blogs or updating ours. The boys started school this week and so far it's going ok. Not great, and after only 2 days that is not such a good sign but hopefully things get better.
I'm still pursuing a heathier lifestyle...not going to call it the big D word because on day 2 I went into a major fit of tiredness and grumps like you wouldn't believe...and I've been eating every 5 minutes. So far I am not seeing much change but the last day or so I've noticed the painful bloatedness slowly going away. So I'm feeling not so much like a beached whale (huge relief!)
Hubs has been super busy. He installed the window, took time out on Sat to go cross town biking with me (what a sweetie) and then we started on painting. First we did our bathroom. It is a sage ish green. Not sure if it's "the one" if you know what I mean. It dried a seafoam or pistachio green. We were aiming for more of a neutral warm tone green...if there is such a thing. Then after that we started painting the kitchen. Chocolate. Yummy! It looked so much like hershey's syrup in the paint can that I almost licked it. Then when it got on the walls I almost licked them. Aaaah! I am surrounded by chocolate when I am in my kitchen. Makes me hungry :) Gotta work that self control muscle. Next we are going to paint the living room/dining area and hallway a light beige (khaki) which I like to call coffee w/cream because when it's done I will be surrounded by my favorite flavors, Chocolate and coffee!
On Saturday (during our bike ride) my mom called and gave me some very devestating news. My cousin Faye, whom was also my best friend growing up, her little boy Dakota aged 12, died from a gunshot wound to the stomach Friday night. We are still in shock I think. I know Faye is beyond devestation, she is not talking to anyone right now and I can't say as I blame her but I feel so far away and wish there were some way to show her I care and wish there were some way I could ease her pain. I just met Dakota for a short moment in March. He was just the sweetest little boy and we shared a good laugh together. He thought it was pretty funny that I lived in North Dakota. I know things happen for a reason and life goes on but we will miss him every day. Life is so fragile.
I have been reading a lot on health issues this week. When I take interest in a subject I tend to research it to death and this weeks topic has been water. After noticing the cellulite forming on my upper abs (normally pretty flat) I did some research and learned that the cellulite deposits are caused by toxins and the only way to get rid of them is to drink lots of water...which led me to researching water and toxins and I found out about PH balances. This is a very interesting subject and I've learned a tremendous amount about things I didn't know and may never have known. diet books and doctors don't usually mention the one thing that cures many problems....PH balance. I'd never heard of it, have you? I did some research on it and there are a lot of good articles available if you are interested. One quick on to start with is this one http://www.relfe.com/health_natural/pH_human_body_balance_health_level_1.html It's a good read if you are interested in possibly creating a healthier eating plan for your family. Let me know what you think, I'm always interested in your thoughts and ideas.
How's everyone doing? I've been a bit distracted by things so I apoligise for not visiting your blogs or updating ours. The boys started school this week and so far it's going ok. Not great, and after only 2 days that is not such a good sign but hopefully things get better.
I'm still pursuing a heathier lifestyle...not going to call it the big D word because on day 2 I went into a major fit of tiredness and grumps like you wouldn't believe...and I've been eating every 5 minutes. So far I am not seeing much change but the last day or so I've noticed the painful bloatedness slowly going away. So I'm feeling not so much like a beached whale (huge relief!)
Hubs has been super busy. He installed the window, took time out on Sat to go cross town biking with me (what a sweetie) and then we started on painting. First we did our bathroom. It is a sage ish green. Not sure if it's "the one" if you know what I mean. It dried a seafoam or pistachio green. We were aiming for more of a neutral warm tone green...if there is such a thing. Then after that we started painting the kitchen. Chocolate. Yummy! It looked so much like hershey's syrup in the paint can that I almost licked it. Then when it got on the walls I almost licked them. Aaaah! I am surrounded by chocolate when I am in my kitchen. Makes me hungry :) Gotta work that self control muscle. Next we are going to paint the living room/dining area and hallway a light beige (khaki) which I like to call coffee w/cream because when it's done I will be surrounded by my favorite flavors, Chocolate and coffee!
On Saturday (during our bike ride) my mom called and gave me some very devestating news. My cousin Faye, whom was also my best friend growing up, her little boy Dakota aged 12, died from a gunshot wound to the stomach Friday night. We are still in shock I think. I know Faye is beyond devestation, she is not talking to anyone right now and I can't say as I blame her but I feel so far away and wish there were some way to show her I care and wish there were some way I could ease her pain. I just met Dakota for a short moment in March. He was just the sweetest little boy and we shared a good laugh together. He thought it was pretty funny that I lived in North Dakota. I know things happen for a reason and life goes on but we will miss him every day. Life is so fragile.
I have been reading a lot on health issues this week. When I take interest in a subject I tend to research it to death and this weeks topic has been water. After noticing the cellulite forming on my upper abs (normally pretty flat) I did some research and learned that the cellulite deposits are caused by toxins and the only way to get rid of them is to drink lots of water...which led me to researching water and toxins and I found out about PH balances. This is a very interesting subject and I've learned a tremendous amount about things I didn't know and may never have known. diet books and doctors don't usually mention the one thing that cures many problems....PH balance. I'd never heard of it, have you? I did some research on it and there are a lot of good articles available if you are interested. One quick on to start with is this one http://www.relfe.com/health_natural/pH_human_body_balance_health_level_1.html It's a good read if you are interested in possibly creating a healthier eating plan for your family. Let me know what you think, I'm always interested in your thoughts and ideas.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Friday Thoughts
Jaiden is growing up. FAST. All of her 18 mo clothes are getting too short. Her tops are belly tops and her pants are capris. We took her to Target last night for some new outfits. I usually shop the base thrift store and find a lot of really cute and gently used brand name clothing but I just haven't had time and base is a 30 min drive from us so we don't get out there very often.
There wasn't a great selection but we found some cute pants and jeans and a few tops. Hopefully I will be able to get out and do some more shopping this weekend. The temps are really starting to drop rapidly and it will be winter here before we know it. Fall is cerainly here but I'm not sure how long it will last. Already seeing neighbors with pumkins out on their doorsteps which is really weird for me because growing up we never did pumpkins until the latter part of October. I planted mums a couple of weeks ago and that was weird too because that to me is a fall flower and it symbolizes that fall has officially arrived.
I still haven't had a chance to get that video of our vacation finished. I've just been too exhausted every evening after work and crash early. Plus I started a new diet (visit my blog to follow along) and I'm really grumpy so I don't think it would be my best effort. I will work on it this weekend, along with helping hubs to install a window in the bear's room. Window 2 of 4 that need to be done BEFORE winter sets in. When we bought our house in March the existing windows had about 4 inches of ice on the INSIDE of the windowsill. Not good. Our house is fairly new (built in 04') but the previous owner was a total goober and our house reflects it where it counts. (Remember the unfinished driveway?) In addition to the windows there are numerous other (costly) projects we will have to tackle in the next year. Hubs is a bit stubborn when it comes to hiring good help so he tackles most of the projects himself (me I'd rather hire someone) this is all well and good until you try to take on projects that need more hands...that's when we get recruited. So we will be out doing windows tommorrow. Wish us luck :)
* Update
Hubs installed the window today with our teens help so I am free to go shopping in the am! Yay! We went on a "date" tonight to China Garden and then took a swing by Lowes and then Menards...I scored some new houseplants :) My reward to self for enduring a week without sweets.
There wasn't a great selection but we found some cute pants and jeans and a few tops. Hopefully I will be able to get out and do some more shopping this weekend. The temps are really starting to drop rapidly and it will be winter here before we know it. Fall is cerainly here but I'm not sure how long it will last. Already seeing neighbors with pumkins out on their doorsteps which is really weird for me because growing up we never did pumpkins until the latter part of October. I planted mums a couple of weeks ago and that was weird too because that to me is a fall flower and it symbolizes that fall has officially arrived.
I still haven't had a chance to get that video of our vacation finished. I've just been too exhausted every evening after work and crash early. Plus I started a new diet (visit my blog to follow along) and I'm really grumpy so I don't think it would be my best effort. I will work on it this weekend, along with helping hubs to install a window in the bear's room. Window 2 of 4 that need to be done BEFORE winter sets in. When we bought our house in March the existing windows had about 4 inches of ice on the INSIDE of the windowsill. Not good. Our house is fairly new (built in 04') but the previous owner was a total goober and our house reflects it where it counts. (Remember the unfinished driveway?) In addition to the windows there are numerous other (costly) projects we will have to tackle in the next year. Hubs is a bit stubborn when it comes to hiring good help so he tackles most of the projects himself (me I'd rather hire someone) this is all well and good until you try to take on projects that need more hands...that's when we get recruited. So we will be out doing windows tommorrow. Wish us luck :)
* Update
Hubs installed the window today with our teens help so I am free to go shopping in the am! Yay! We went on a "date" tonight to China Garden and then took a swing by Lowes and then Menards...I scored some new houseplants :) My reward to self for enduring a week without sweets.
Monday, August 27, 2007
I'm speechless
Daleea has nominated me for my first ever award and I am humbled that it is the Nice Matters Award. I am touched. She is very deserving of this award. She is nice, uplifting, inspirational to others, encouraging and just such a beautiful person inside and out. I would like to give her an oak leaf cluster for this award. (In military terms that means you've recieved the same award more than once) Thank you so much for thinking of me! I would like to share the love with these 7 individuals that have touched my life in very positively uplifting ways.
"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."
I nominate...
Dusty @ OurFamilyVoyage
Krissie @ 5 Far From Home
Connie @ Somewhere in China
The Princess Diaries ... doesen't disclose her name on blog
Heather @ Journey with Julia
Emmie @ Sister 2 Two
These are some wonderful women that truly deserve this award because they are nice people far beyond the realms of blog world.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Road Trip
We are going on a little family vacation so we will not be here for a while. In the meantime I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...I realize it is only Wednesday but I am a bit bored at work today and I am thinking of starting my vacation early and taking off today instead of waiting till Friday...I need to find swimgear for the kiddos, pack, do laundry etc. etc. etc.
We will be staying at the Waterpark of America Lodge. Doesn't that sound fun? I will post a full review upon our return. Our neice Ashley will be singing in the State Fair on Saturday and in addition to that we hope to do some mega shopping at the Mall of America and get a day to go to the Minneapolis Zoo. (I am a zoo freak!) There is also an IKEA across the street from our hotel :) They have .99 breakfast so I think I know where our days will begin!
It will be Jaiden's first time for a lot of this so it will be fun to see her reactions. Stay tuned! And wish us luck!
We will be staying at the Waterpark of America Lodge. Doesn't that sound fun? I will post a full review upon our return. Our neice Ashley will be singing in the State Fair on Saturday and in addition to that we hope to do some mega shopping at the Mall of America and get a day to go to the Minneapolis Zoo. (I am a zoo freak!) There is also an IKEA across the street from our hotel :) They have .99 breakfast so I think I know where our days will begin!
It will be Jaiden's first time for a lot of this so it will be fun to see her reactions. Stay tuned! And wish us luck!
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